NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Life Without Jeffery Simmons
OK, so the Titans defense wasn't perfect even with Jeffery Simmons. Let's face it, a week ago the unit had all kinds of trouble slowing down the Browns, and after seven games the defense is ranked 26th overall, allowing 364.1 yards per game. But there's no doubt Simmons had been the team's best, and most impactful, player on either side of the ball, so imagining what things might look like without him is a somber thought. Starting on Sunday, the Titans will be looking for a new emotional leader on defense, and the team will need everyone to be better.
No More Lulls
One positive development from a week ago was the team's 14-0 start to the contest. It was a nice change. Unfortunately, the Titans weren't able to sustain it. Through seven games this season, the Titans have outscored their opponents 34-27 in first quarter, but the biggest problem has been what has happened after that. In the second quarter of games this season, the Titans have been outscored by a whopping 72-3, which has helped negate the 55-34 edge the team has had in the fourth quarter of games. As quarterback Cam Ward said this week, the Titans can't afford the lulls.
Cam's Progress
There was too much talk about footwork this week. Yeah, I get it's important, but what I want to see more than anything is Ward being more accurate, and better. Yes, I understand technique, and footwork, is a part of it. But the game is about completing passes and throwing touchdowns, and the fact of the matter is Ward and the Titans haven't done nearly enough of that this season. Ward doesn't have a touchdown pass in his first three quarters of games this season, with all four coming in the fourth quarter. The Titans have scored just 10 touchdowns in seven games this season, which is third fewest in the NFL. The Titans, and Ward, need to be better on offense.
Who Steps Up?
With receiver Carnell Tate officially ruled out for Sunday's game, other players will need to step up and fill the void left by the team's most productive receiver. Calvin Ridley will be available after missing last week. The team needs more production from Ridley, along with Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike and Wan'Dale Robinson. I liked seeing tight end Gunnar Helm more in the mix a week ago, but still think he's capable of doing more with opportunities. The Titans could use another big game out of running back Tony Pollard, who went for 129 yards and three touchdowns last week.
Slowing Down the Bengals
Coach Robert Saleh said it himself – the Bengals will be the best team the Titans have faced this year. It starts with their offense, and quarterback Joe Burrow, who has four touchdown passes and no interceptions in back-to-back games. The problem with Burrow is he gets the ball out so quickly, it's hard for pass rushers to get to him. But perhaps an even bigger problem, make that two of them: Bengals receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Burrow-Chase (130.9) and Burrow-Higgins (118.0) are two of the highest passer rating duos in 2026 among all quarterback/receiver duos with at least 40 targets. Higgins leads the Bengals in catches (33) and receiving yards (571) while Chase leads Cincinnati in touchdown catches (5).
How Will the Titans Respond?
It's been another tough week in Nashville, for the team, coaches, and fans of the team. The events of the week stirred up all kinds of emotions, and it would be crazy to say it didn't cause a distraction. Saleh said the team responded well in practices during the course of the week, but what will things look like on Sunday? The Titans are 11.5-point underdogs, and I've heard a lot of outsiders say they expect a bloodbath in Cincinnati. The Titans have been competitive in five of seven games this season, and they let a few slip away. Will this team show some spunk in a sea of adversity? Well, we'll find out on Sunday.
